Asclepias 'Cinderella'

Asclepias incarnata 'Cinderella': A Fairytale Bloom in the Garden

Asclepias incarnata 'Cinderella', commonly known as 'Cinderella' Swamp Milkweed, enchants the garden with its robust spikes of deep pink to rose-colored flowers. This captivating perennial combines the wild grace of native milkweeds with garden-friendly aesthetics, making it an ideal choice for those seeking to nurture pollinators while enjoying a splendid floral display. Perfect for adding a touch of fairytale charm to rain gardens, borders, and naturalized areas, 'Cinderella' offers both beauty and ecological benefits.

Product Characteristics:

• Height: Standing tall at 90-120 cm, 'Cinderella' provides vertical interest and a splash of color that can elevate the design of any garden space.
• Spread: With a spread of 60-90 cm, it forms attractive clumps that are dense enough to make a statement yet compact enough to integrate seamlessly into mixed plantings.
• Flower Colour: The flowers are a rich, deep pink to rose, arranged in showy clusters atop upright stems, creating a vibrant display that lasts from early to mid-summer.
• Flowering Period: Blooming from early summer through mid-summer, 'Cinderella' Swamp Milkweed fills the garden with color and fragrance during the warmest months, attracting butterflies and other pollinators to its nectar-rich blooms.
• Foliage: Its foliage consists of lance-shaped, medium green leaves that provide a lush backdrop for the flowers and serve as an essential food source for monarch butterfly larvae.
• Sunlight Requirements: Prefers full sun to part shade, thriving in a variety of lighting conditions and ensuring a prolific display of blooms.
• Soil Requirements: Adaptable to moist to wet soil conditions, 'Cinderella' is well-suited for rain gardens or areas with natural moisture. It is also remarkably tolerant of average garden soils, provided they are well-drained.

Uses and Benefits: Asclepias incarnata 'Cinderella' is not only a stunning addition to the garden but also a vital plant for supporting biodiversity. It serves as a host plant for monarch butterflies, contributing to the conservation of this beloved species. Its nectar-rich flowers attract a wide range of pollinators, enhancing the garden's ecological health. Additionally, its tolerance for wet conditions makes it an excellent choice for erosion control and water-wise landscaping.

Companion Plants: Pair with other moisture-loving perennials such as Joe-Pye Weed (Eutrochium purpureum), Siberian Iris (Iris sibirica), and Liatris (Liatris spicata) for a vibrant, wildlife-friendly garden display. The bold colors of 'Cinderella' also complement the textures of ornamental grasses and the golden yellows of Rudbeckia, creating dynamic visual interest.

Care Instructions: Asclepias incarnata 'Cinderella' is low maintenance, requiring minimal care to thrive. Water regularly to keep the soil moist, especially in dry conditions or when planted in areas with less moisture. Deadheading spent flowers can encourage a second bloom and prevent excessive self-seeding, although leaving some seed pods can provide winter interest and seeds for next year's growth.

History: Derived from the native Swamp Milkweed, Asclepias incarnata, the 'Cinderella' cultivar has been selected for its vibrant flower color, extended blooming period, and garden-friendly habit. It embodies the natural beauty of its wild relatives while offering enhancements that make it a favorite among gardeners and pollinators alike.

Final Thoughts: Asclepias incarnata 'Cinderella' brings a burst of fairytale magic to the garden with its stunning flowers and ecological benefits. Whether gracing a rain garden, border, or naturalized area, 'Cinderella' invites gardeners to create a landscape that is both enchantingly beautiful and supportive of local wildlife, making every garden a haven for nature's most precious pollinators.